Save school buses for kids

Re "Budget trigger time looms" (Page A1, Dec. 12): Among the budget cuts is the elimination of school bus service for public school children.

A recent poll shows that California voters dislike this and the other $2.5 billion worth of cuts that will occur if revenues fall below the state's assumed projections.

Chalk it up to common sense. Californians know our state is headed in the wrong direction, and these new cuts will make things worse.

Most children who rely on school buses to get to school also rely on school lunch programs to get them through the day. They're among California's most vulnerable residents.

Eliminating school buses will diminish educational opportunities for our children, increase truancy, and endanger children's health and safety.

It's clear that California voters want to see these trigger cuts rescinded. The governor and Legislature need to listen to the will of the people.

– Vernon M. Billy, West Sacramento, executive director, California School Boards Association

Cuts affect women most

The impending cuts will disproportionately affect midlife and older women in California.

Older women continue to face lifelong challenges to their economic security, which includes lower earnings, interrupted job histories and the greater likelihood to work in part-time jobs that offer no benefits.

When considering the "triggers," it is women who suffer most because they are more likely to be poor and care for children and the elderly.

Generous thanks to Assembly members Mariko Yamada and Jim Beall for convening a special informational hearing addressing concerns, airing the facts and urging the formulation of recommendations for "smarter policy decisions" supporting crucial programs and services. An unpleasant task, but that's what true leaders do.

– Clare Smith, Sacramento

City Hall is ripe for protest

Re "City should take next step on arena" (Editorials, Dec. 11): Until now I didn't see much reason for the Occupy movement crowd to set up in front of Sacramento City Hall.

Now I do.

I can't believe the City Council would even consider virtually selling off city parking lots that generate $9 million annually for city services that benefit all city residents (the 99 percent) in order to subsidize the 1 percent – Kings owners.

– Paul Milkey, Sacramento

No need for advertising diktat

Re "Lowe's pulls ads on Muslim show" (Capitol & California, Dec. 12): State Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, has now decided to urge a boycott of all Lowe's home improvement stores due to their pulling advertising from the TLC show about Muslim Americans.

Since when is it the responsibility of our state officials to decide where a publicly held company spends its advertising dollars?

I believe that Lowe's is accountable to its shareholders and customers.

Lowe's is most certainly not accountable to our state legislators who have demonstrated neither ability, nor integrity over these many years.

Lowe's has the right to place advertising where it wishes. This seems to be only another example of legislators wasting time and effort, and a prime example of why we should go to a part-time legislature.

– Jack Peiffer, Sacramento

Lieu shows hypocrisy on ads

Let's see if I have this right, Sen. Lieu: You advocate economic sanctions against Lowe's for their use of an economic sanction against a TV show in which they withdrew advertising.

How is it that you get to exercise your right to withdraw your economic support but Lowe's does not?

Or is this another freedom you wish to see withdrawn from the American people?

– Jack Quartaroli, Sacramento

Gingrich panders to Israel

Re "Gingrich survives barbs from Republican rivals" (Page A11, Dec. 12): Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich claimed that the Palestinians are "invented people" and that he himself is a "courageous truth- teller."

I am a Palestinian American, proud to be an American, and just as proud of my Palestinian heritage. My family tree in the Galilee goes back to the 15th century (1453).

In comparison, the United States became official in the 18th century (1776).

Accordingly, and if the Palestinians are "invented," what then are Gingrich himself and the other 330 million Americans?

In 1948, the Israelis terrorized the Palestinians and drove them out of their homes and country. Today, the Israelis continue to terrorize the Palestinians and gnaw at the West Bank in an effort to make it home for Jews only.

Gingrich is not a courageous truth-teller. He is just another politician pandering to the Israelis for cheap and ill-gotten political gains.

– Jamal F. Zeid, Lincoln

Legislature drives out firm

Re "Waste Connections leaving" (Page A1, Dec. 13): Yet another business has fled California's famously incorrigible business climate.

Waste Connections CEO Ron Mittlestaedt announced that his company's corporate headquarters will move to Texas, saying that California is the most expensive state to do business in. This will cost the state $80 to $100 million per year in economic activity.

Mittlestaedt blamed the Democratic-led Legislature. Waste Connections warned the Democrats a year ago that if conditions did not improve, they would take their business elsewhere. Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg called their bluff, and now California will pay the price.

When an ailing patient dies because of exercising the right to refuse life-saving medical services, it is referred to as "dying with their rights on."

California is ailing. California needs new medicine, beyond what Democrats have prescribed.

If Democrats don't start taking the job situation seriously, or let those who do take control, California will find itself dying with its ideals on.

– Rosie Dale, Davis

A season for Christmas songs

Re "Obamas, stars at annual Christmas concert" (Page A4, Dec. 12): Could someone please explain to me why it is OK to sing, "Hark, the Herald Angels Sing" at the White House but not in my grandson's Roseville public school? I just don't get it.

– Pat Moran, Citrus Heights

Trickle down theory works

Re "Trickle down has left a mess" (Letters, Dec. 12): Those who disparage "trickle down economics" don't understand how it works.

If I plan a large holiday party and hire a caterer, a florist, a house decorator, and yard man to prepare for the party I am applying the principles of "trickle down economics." I hire independent small businesses and when I pay them, money is trickling down.

Trickle down is what America's free enterprise system is based on, not a handout from Washington.

Our huge mess has been created by government bailouts and payoffs. Let business stand on its own and succeed or fail by itself.

– Tom Askins, Fair Oaks

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